WHAT THIS IS

This short guide helps you use Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats. A simple, powerful method for improving the quality of your thinking and the breadth of your perspective.

It builds on Be More Strategic, Chapter 5: Be (More) Rational, Be a Critical Thinker and links directly with Chapter 6: Be (More) Imaginative, Be a Creative, where we explore structured tools to expand creativity, challenge bias, and unlock fresh insight.

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“Strategic thinkers don’t just think harder they think differently.”

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Alongside this guide, you’ll find a downloadable set of Six Thinking Hat Prompt Cards which are ideal for in-person or virtual exercises.

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WHY IT MATTERS

In meetings or problem-solving sessions, everyone tends to “wear” a different mental hat at once. One person focuses on risk, another on facts, another on ideas and the conversation quickly fragments.

The Six Hats method separates these thinking modes, allowing you to explore one at a time. This prevents circular debate, reveals blind spots, and accelerates both critical and creative thinking.

It works equally well for:

• Defining or testing a problem (alongside your Problem Statement guide)

• Generating ideas (Chapter 6: Creativity and Divergent Thinking)

• Making balanced decisions